In a recent site update, CNET Download.com listings have begun redirecting product download links for popular freeware and opensource applications to their own "downloader and installer" utility which bundles a number of adware components alongside the requested application and changes the users' homepage and default search engine to Microsoft Bing. Freeware authors are sending CNet cease and desist orders demanding virgin download links, something affected open source developers may or may not be able to do due to FOSS license terms.

Just wondering who should be responsible for the cost of providing the download? Where does the money come from?

If users had to pay to download free software, um, let's just say I can't see that working too well. If people who create free software had to pay, then I'd imagine a lot of good free software projects disappearing (or shifting to shareware or something).

That only leaves charities and advertising sponsored sites. If there aren't enough donations to cover the costs, or if you're not making enough from advertisers to cover costs, what do you do then?